Exercise device

ABSTRACT

Provided is an exercise device including a planar support surface and a rolling joint which is configured to enable a 360° range of motion for the exercise device. In this regard, the user may roll the exercise device along a planar surface in a forward-and-backward motion, a side-to-side motion, or in an arcuate or circular motion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/469,989, filed Mar. 31, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/478,358, filed Apr. 22, 2011.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to exercise devices, and morespecifically, to an exercise device including a ball and socketarrangement mounted to a support surface to achieve 360° freedom ofmovement.

Description of the Related Art

It is well-known that routine exercise is good for both the body andmind. Along these lines, each community typically includes a gym orfitness center where individuals can access a wide variety of exerciseequipment. Although such gyms and fitness centers may facilitate routineexercise for certain individuals, there are various drawbacks associatedwith gyms and fitness centers. One drawback is that the gyms/fitnesscenters generally require membership for access into their facilities.The membership agreements may require a long-term commitment from theindividual, which may add up to a significant expense for theindividual. Another drawback is that it may be difficult for someindividuals to make time in their day-to-day schedules to go to thegyms/fitness centers.

Therefore, various home-fitness machines have been developed to allowindividuals to exercise within the comfort of their own home. Certainhome-fitness machines are “universal” in nature, and allow an individualto exercise multiple muscle groups. However, such “universal” machinestend to be very large and very expensive. Other home-fitness machinesare smaller and tend to focus on one particular muscle or muscle group.

Many of the smaller fitness devices tend to be of the “roller” variety,wherein a user rolls the device forward and backward along a planarsurface to conduct the exercise. The device may include a wheel andhandles for the user to grasp. The user may kneel on his knees andextend his torso away from his knees, and then back toward his knees,with the roller rolling forward and backward to facilitate such motion.The foregoing exercise may workout the user's core, especially theabdominal muscles and back muscles.

Although the smaller fitness devices may provide a suitable alternativeto full-fledged gym memberships discussed above, there are certainfeatures that are common to conventional roller-type exercise deviceswhich detract from their overall utility. One drawback is that thedevices are generally limited to a rolling motion along a single axis.In other words, the devices roll forward and backward along a commonaxis, and are not capable of rolling from side-to-side. Suchside-to-side motion would be desirable to allow for a more circularexercise motion to work out more muscle groups.

Therefore, in view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for apersonal exercise device that offers a broader range of motion comparedto traditional roller-type exercise devices. The present inventionaddresses this particular need, as explained in the following sectionsand as shown in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the presentinvention is directed to an exercise device including a planar supportsurface and a rolling joint which is configured to enable a 360° rangeof motion for the exercise device. In this regard, the user may roll theexercise device along a planar surface in a forward-and-backward motion,a side-to-side motion, or in an arcuate or circular motion.

According to one implementation, the exercise device includes a planarsupport surface including a first face, an opposing second face, and asidewall extending between the first face and the second face. Thesupport surface may include one or more handles to allow a user toeasily grab onto the device. A rolling joint is coupled to the secondface and is configured to allow the exercise device to move about aplanar surface, such as a floor or wall. The rolling joint includes ajoint wall extending from the second face of the support surface todefine a cavity configured to receive a rolling ball which facilitatessuch motion of the exercise device. The rolling ball is preferably asingle ball (i.e., uniball).

It is contemplated that the rolling joint may be configured to lock therolling ball to restrict rotation of the rolling ball. For instance, therolling ball may be restricted to rotation about a single axis. In thisregard, the exercise device may be configurable between a free range ofmotion device, to a more restricted range of motion device, as may bedesired to target certain muscle groups or areas. The rolling joint mayadditionally be configured to restrict rotation of the rolling ball inall directions to allow the exercise device to be used as a pivot board.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, as well as other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of an exercisedevice and a user performing an exercise using the device;

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the exercise device;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exercise device;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the exercise device in an unlockedconfiguration;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the exercise device in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the exercise device;

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of a third embodiment of an exercisedevice;

FIG. 8 is another upper perspective view of the third embodiment of theexercise device;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged lower perspective view of the exercise deviceshown in FIGS. 7-9, with the rolling ball removed from the rollingjoint.

FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of a fourth embodiment of anexercise device;

FIG. 12 is an exploded lower perspective view of the exercise devicedepicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial lower perspective view of the exercise device shownin FIGS. 10-11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial lower perspective view of the exercisedevice shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an exercisedevice;

FIG. 16 is an exploded lower perspective view of the embodiment depictedin FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded cross sectional view of the exercise devicedepicted in FIG. 16

FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of a pin used in the fifthembodiment of the exercise device;

FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the exercise device depicted inFIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the exercise device depicted in FIG.15;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial side sectional view of the exercisedevice depicted in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of a weighted ring connected to theexercise device;

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of a vibration element connected to theexercise device;

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of an end cap disposed over the rollerball of the exercise device;

FIG. 25 is a top sectional view of a bracket mount for connecting theexercise device to a door;

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of a leg strap for connecting theexercise device to a user's legs; and

FIG. 27 is a top view of a floor mat configured for use with theexercise device.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detaileddescription to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intendedto represent the only form in which the present invention may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the structure ofvarious embodiments of the invention, as well as functions and sequencesof steps for constructing and operating certain embodiments of theinvention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalentfunctions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments andthat they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of theinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a first embodiment of anexercise device 10 comprised of a support plate 12 and a rolling joint14 attached to the support plate 12. When the exercise device 10 isplaced against a planer surface 16, such as the floor or a wall, theexercise device 10 may be moved about the surface 16 in a circularmanner or an axial manner. A user 18 may grip the support plate 12 atopposed locations thereof and selectively roll the device 10 outward,backward, and sideward to workout various muscle groups, including theabs and back. The rolling joint 14 advantageously allows the device 10to achieve a 360° freedom of movement to broaden the range of exercisemotion achievable by the device 10. In this regard, the device 10 is notmerely limited to movement along a single axis, rather, the device 10may be selectively moved by the user 18 along several different axes, aswell as in a curved motion.

The support plate 12 defines a first face 20, an opposing second face22, and a side wall 24 extending between the first face 20 and thesecond face 22 and defining a thickness between the first face 20 andthe second face 22. The support plate 12 additionally includes a pair ofhandles 26 defined by a pair of openings 28 formed within the supportplate 12, wherein each opening 28 extends through the thickness of asupport plate 12 from the first face 20 to the second face 22.

The support plate 12 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 includes substantially planerfirst and second faces 20, 22 and defines eight peripheral edges.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the support plate12 may define other shapes, sizes, and configurations without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The support plate 12 may be formed from wood, a plastic material, ametallic material, or other materials known by those skilled in the art.

The rolling joint 14 is attached to the second face 22 of the supportplate 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the rolling joint 14includes a joint wall 30 and a rolling ball 32 disposed within the jointwall 30. The joint wall 30 and rolling ball 32 may be configured toreduce the amount of friction created between the rolling ball 32 andthe joint wall 30 as the rolling ball 32 moves relative to the jointwall 30. The rolling ball 32 may be secured within the joint wall 30such that the rolling ball 32 may have a 360° freedom of movementrelative to the joint wall 30.

It is contemplated that the joint wall 30 may be integrally formed withthe support plate 12. Along these lines, the joint wall 30 and supportplate 12 may be molded from a single piece of plastic or metallic, orother moldable material. Alternatively, the joint wall 30 may beseparate from the support plate 12, and may be secured thereto by amechanical fastener, such as nails, nuts and bolts, adhesives, or othermechanical fasteners known in the art. The rolling ball 32 may be formedof a material that corroborates with the material used to form the jointwall 30. For instance, the rolling ball 32 may be formed from metal,plastics, or other materials known in the art.

According to one embodiment, the exercise device 10 includes a lockingmechanism 34 to restrict rotation of the rolling ball 32, such asrotation about one axis, or a restriction of rotation in all directions.In the particular implementation shown in FIGS. 1-5, the lockingmechanism 34 includes a pin 36 that extends through an aperture 38formed within the rolling ball 32. The pin 36 is transitional between anunlocked position, wherein the rolling ball 32 is free to rotate aboutany axis, and a locked configuration (see FIG. 5), wherein the pin 36 isadvanced through the aperture 38 formed within the ball 32 to restrictrotation of the ball 32. In one embodiment, the pin 36 restrictsrotation about a single axis (i.e., about the pin 36) when the pin 36 isin the locked configuration. In another embodiment, the pin 36 maycompletely restrict rotation of the ball 32 in all directions when thepin is in the locked configuration. For instance, the pin 36 may besized to create substantial frictional forces between the pin 36 and theball 32 to effectively restrict rotation of the ball 32. The pin 36 maybe secured within a pin housing 40 connected to the joint wall 30. Thepin housing 40 may include a slot 42 sized to accommodate the pin 36 andto allow for transition of the pin 36 between the unlocked and lockedconfigurations. Furthermore, the joint wall 30 may include an aperture44 extending therethrough, and coaxially aligned the slot 42 to allowthe pin 36 to pass through the joint wall 30 and into the rolling ball32.

The exercise device 10 is disposed in a locked configuration by aligningthe aperture 38 formed within the rolling ball 32 with the aperture 44formed within the joint wall 30, and then advancing the pin 36 throughthe apertures 38, 44 formed within the rolling ball 32 and joint wall30, respectively. When the device 10 is in the locked configuration, thedevice 10 may be limited to translation along a single axis. Forinstance, the device 10 may be moved forward and backward, without sideto side motion, or alternatively, the device 10 may be moved in a sideto side motion without forward and backward motion. It is alsocontemplated that when the device 10 is in the locked configuration,movement of the ball may be restricted in all directions to allow thedevice to be used as a pivot board. Therefore, the locking mechanism 34gives the user the option of selectively disposing the device in alocked configuration or the unlocked configuration, depending upon therange motion desired by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a bottom view of a secondembodiment of the exercise device 60. As described in more detail below,the primary distinction between the exercise device 60 shown in FIG. 6,and the exercise device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 lays in the particularconfiguration of the support surface 62 and a locking mechanism 64.

The support surface 62 includes a first face and an opposing second face66. The periphery of the support surface 62 is defined by eightsubstantially equal edges to define an octagonal shape. The supportsurface 62 additionally includes four handles 68, arranged in twoopposed pairs. Each handle 68 is defined by an opening 70 extendingthrough the support surface 62 from the first face to the second face66. The additional handles 68 (relative to the device 10 depicted inFIGS. 1-5, and discussed above) allows the user to grip the device 60 atseveral locations thereof. Although the embodiment in FIG. 6 shows fourhandles 68, it is understood that fewer than four handles 68 or morethan four handles 68 may be defined by the support surface 62 withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The exercise device 60 further includes a rolling joint 72 including ajoint wall 74 and a rolling ball 76 similar to the rolling joint 14discussed above. Therefore, the discussion of the rolling joint 14discussed above in relation to the exercise device 10 equally applies tothe rolling joint 72 shown in relation to exercise device 60.

A locking mechanism 64 includes a first pin 78 and second pin 80disposed on diametrically opposed ends of the rolling ball 76. The firstand second pins 78, 80 are moveable between an unlocked configurationand a locked configuration to restrict the range of motion of therolling ball 76 relative to the joint wall 74. Along these lines, thepins 78, 80 may engage with a pair of diametrically opposed indentsformed within the rolling ball 76 to restrict rotation of the rollingball 76 about a single axis. In this regard, when the pins 78, 80 aredisposed within the indents, the pins 78, 80 are in the lockedconfiguration. The pins 78, 80 are moved out of the indents to theunlocked configuration to allow the rolling ball 76 to freely rotatewithin the joint wall 74. In another configuration, an aperture may beformed within the rolling ball 76 such that the pins 78, 80 may beadvanced through the aperture to restrict rotation of the rolling ball76 about a single axis. In such a configuration, the pins 78, 80 are inthe locked configuration when the pins 78, 80 are advanced into theaperture formed within the rolling ball 76. The pins 78, 80 are in theunlocked configuration when they are removed from the aperture formedwithin the rolling ball 76 to thereby allow the rolling ball 76 tofreely rotate within the joint wall 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown a third embodiment 90 of anexercise device. The device 90 includes a support surface 92 that issimilar to the support surface 62 discussed above in relation toexercise device 60. Therefore, the discussion above in relation tosupport surface 62 applies to support surface 92 and will not repeatedherein. The primary distinction lies in the rolling joint 94, and willbe discussed in more detail below.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the rolling joint 94 includes a jointhousing 96 extending from the support surface 92. The joint housing 96includes an inner joint wall 98 that generally conforms to theconfiguration of the rolling ball 100. To minimize friction, portions ofthe inner wall 98 may be removed to create a plurality of contact pointsbetween the inner wall 98 and the rolling ball 100. By distributing theload over many small contact points, the rolling resistance between thejoint housing 96 and the rolling ball 100 is reduced. Resistance mayfurther be achieved by inserting a plurality of bearings within thecavities formed within the inner wall 98. The bearings may allow therolling ball 100 to more freely rotate within the joint housing 96,while at the same time minimizing resistance.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, there is shown a bracket 102 thatextends around the rolling ball 100 and is connected to the jointhousing 96 by a plurality of rods 104. The bracket 102 is configured tomaintain the rolling ball 100 within the joint housing 96, while at thesame time allowing the rolling ball 100 to rotate therein.

According to one embodiment, the bracket 102 is configured to apply abraking force on the rolling ball 100 to restrict movement of therolling ball 100. Along these lines, the bracket 102 may be selectivelyadjusted relative to the rolling ball 100 to increase or decrease theresistance of the exercise device 90. When the braking force isincreased, the resistance increases, and when the braking forcedecreases, the resistance decreases. The braking force may be increasedto a point which restricts movement of the rolling ball 100 to allow thedevice 90 to be used as a pivot board.

FIGS. 11-12 show a second embodiment of a bracket 110 having a pluralityof auxiliary rolling discs 112, which may be used to enhance themovement of the exercise device 90 upon a surface. For instance, if thedevice 90 is supported by the rolling ball 100 on the support surfaceand the device 90 is tilted, the rolling discs 112, may facilitaterotation of the device 90 over the surface. The bracket 110 may also beconfigured to perform the same functions as the bracket 102 describedabove, including the functions of maintaining the ball 100 in place andapplying a braking force on the ball 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket 110 includes four auxiliaryrolling discs 112 arranged at 90 degree increments along the bracket 110(i.e., equally spaced). In this regard, the four rolling discs 112 arearranged in two diametrically opposed pairs of discs 112, with each discin a given disc pair is disposed in parallel relation to the other discin the disc pair.

Although the exemplary embodiment includes four auxiliary rolling discs112 equally spaced along the bracket 110, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that fewer than four rolling discs 112 may be used ormore than four rolling discs 112 may be used without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the spacing ofthe discs 112 along the bracket 102 may also be varied.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the exercise device 90depicted in FIG. 11. The exploded view illustrates the gripping member92, the joint housing 96, a washer 114, the rolling ball 100, thebracket 110 and the rods 104. The exercise device 90 includes aplurality of bearings 116 disposed within cavities formed within theinner wall 98 such that the bearings 116 reduce the friction between thejoint housing 96 and the rolling ball 100.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are upper perspective views of the device 90, with thebracket 110 and rods 104 having been removed to more clearly show therolling ball 100 seated within the joint housing 96.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-21, there is shown another embodiment of anexercise device 150. The exercise device 150 includes a gripping member152, a retaining sleeve 154, and a roller ball 156. The gripping member152 is similar to the gripping members 12, 62, 92 previously shown anddiscussed above. Therefore, the above description of the grippingmembers 12, 62, 92 applies equally to the gripping member 152.

The retaining sleeve 154 is connected to the gripping member 152 and isconfigured to retain the roller ball 156. In the exemplary embodiment,the retaining sleeve 154 is substantially cylindrical in shape anddefines a first end portion 158 connected to the gripping member 152 andan opposing second end portion 160 extending away from the grippingmember 152. The retaining sleeve 154 extends along a longitudinal axisand includes an annular wall disposed about the longitudinal axis todefine a sleeve opening 162 (see FIG. 16) extending from the first endportion 158 to the second end portion 160. The roller ball 156 isreceived within the sleeve opening 162 and is configured to roll withinthe retaining sleeve 154 during usage of the exercise device 150.According to one embodiment, the retaining sleeve 154 includes a lip 155(see FIG. 21) which retains the roller ball 156 within the sleeveopening 162. In this regard, the lip 155 extends into the sleeve opening162 to define a diameter that is less than the diameter of the rollerball 156.

The exercise device 150 additionally includes a support ring 164, aplurality of ball transfers 166, a “T” nut 168, and a locking screw 170,with the T nut 168 being engaged with the locking screw 170 (see FIG.20). The locking screw 170 may include a plastic tip 171 (see FIG. 18)to protect the roller ball 156.

Referring now to FIG. 20, which shows a cross section of the exercisedevice 150, the support ring 164 resides within the sleeve opening 162adjacent the gripping member 152 such that the outer wall 172 of thesupport ring 164 provides radial support to the inner wall 174 of theretaining sleeve 154.

The ball transfers 166 reside within respective recesses 176 formedwithin the gripping member 152. The ball transfers 166 provide amechanism which allows the roller ball 156 to smoothly rotate within thesleeve opening 162. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theball transfers 166 are exemplary in nature only, and other bearings orrolling mechanisms known in the art may also be used.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 19, the gripping member 152 mayinclude a pad member 178 connected to the gripping member body 180. Thepad member 178 may be useful if the user kneels or stands on thegripping member 152 during exercise.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-26, there is shown several accessories whichmay be used with the exercise device. FIG. 22 is a side sectional viewshowing a weighted ring 200 connectable to the exercise device 150. Whena user performs an exercise and the weighted ring 200 is connected tothe exercise device 150, the weight of the assembly (which includes theweight of the ring 200 and device 150) is collectively more than theweight of the exercise device 150 alone. Thus, the user may experiencemore resistance by connecting one or more weighted rings to the exercisedevice 150. The weighted ring 200 may define any weight which may bedesirable to the user. For instance, the weighted right 200 may weigh1-lb, 5-lbs, 10-lbs or any other weight known by those skilled in theart.

As shown, the weighted ring 200 circumnavigates the retaining sleeve 154when the ring 200 is connected to the exercise device 150, so that thering 200 is coaxially aligned with the sleeve 154. The inner surface ofthe ring 200 may be sized to frictionally engage with the outer surfaceof the ring 200 to connect the ring 200 to the exercise device 150. Itis also contemplated that the ring 200 may engage with the grippingmember 152, such as via magnetic connection, hook and loop fasteners orother mechanical fasteners known by those skilled in the art. Whenmultiple rings 200 are used, the rings 200 may be arranged in a stackedarrangement.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 23, there is shown another accessorywhich may be used with the exercise device 150, specifically, avibration element 202. The vibration element 202 is shaped similar tothe weighted ring 200 described above and may engage with the exercisedevice 150 in a similar fashion. The vibration element 202 includes amain body 204 and a vibrating mechanism 206 connected to the main body204. The vibrating mechanism 206 may be comprised of any vibrationinducing device known by those skilled in the art.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 24, there is shown an end cap 208which fits over the roller ball 156 to cover the roller ball 156. Thus,instead of the exercise device 150 rolling along a support surface, theend cap 209 may engage the support surface to allow a user to practicebalancing exercises on the exercise device 150. In this regard, thedistal surface 210 of the end cap 208 may define an arcuateconfiguration to facilitate pivoting of the exercise device 150 on thesupport surface.

The end cap 208 may define an end cap cavity 212 sized to receive theroller ball 156 and the retaining sleeve 154. The end cap 208 may beconnectable to the exercise device 150 such as by threadable engagementbetween the end cap 208 and the retaining sleeve 154 or gripping member152, to fixedly secure the end cap 208 thereto. Alternatively, the endcap may be configured to simply slip over the roller ball 156 and theretaining sleeve 154 for ease of use.

The various embodiments of the exercise devices discussed above may beused to exercise several different muscle groups. For instance, thedevice may be used on a horizontal surface, such as the floor, toexercise the user's back and abs. The device may also be used along avertical surface to exercise the user's leg (i.e., squats). The devicemay also be employed for rehabilitation to guide/support a userperforming certain rehabilitation exercises, such as rehabbing a hipflexor (i.e., lateral leg extensions) or a shoulder (i.e., armextensions). In this regard, the device is extremely adaptable to servea wide range of needs and functions.

In view of the various exercises that may be performed using theexercise device, there are several attachments which may be used withthe exercise device to perform various exercises. Referring nowspecifically to FIG. 25, there is shown a door mounting system 220 forconnecting the exercise device to a door 222. The door mounting system220 includes a door attachment 224 including a first bracket 224 a and asecond bracket 224 b. The brackets 224 a, 224 b are sized to easilyconnect and clamp on to a conventional door 222. Although the doorattachment 224 shown in the drawings is a bracket-type mechanism, it isunderstood that other attachment mechanisms may also be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forinstance, the door attachment 224 may include a belt or strap, which iswrapped around the door 222 and is cinched tightly to secure the belt tothe door 222.

The door mounting system 200 further includes a pair of straps 226 a,226 b which are connected to respective ones of the first and secondbrackets 224 a, 224 b. The straps 226 a, 226 b include a distal endportion which may be wrapped around the handle 228 of the grippingmember 152 to connect the straps 226 a, 226 b to the gripping member152.

The straps 226 a, 226 b provide resistance as the user pulls thegripping member 152 away from the door 222. Therefore, the user maystand facing the door and pull the gripping member 152 toward the user'schest such that the resistance in the straps 226 a, 226 b provides anupper body workout for the user.

Referring now to FIG. 26, there is shown another accessory which may beused with the exercise device. More specifically, the accessory shown inFIG. 26 is a strap 240 used to secure a user's legs to the grippingmember 152 when the user kneels on the device. The leg strap 240 isconfigured to secure the user's legs to the gripping member 152 when theuser is in the kneeling position.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the user's legs 242 a, 242 b areshown with the user's calves outlined by dotted lines 244 and the user'supper thigh outlined by dotted lines 246. The leg strap 240 includes afirst segment 248 that extends between the user's calves and thighs whenthe user is kneeling on the gripping member 152. The leg strap 240passes through the handles 228 and includes a second segment 250 thatextends over the user's thighs. The leg strap 240 attaches to itself tosecure the leg strap 240 to the user. The leg strap 240 may be cinchedonto the user's legs to tighten the leg strap 240 onto the user. The legstrap 240 may include hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps or othermechanical fasteners to fasten the leg strap 240 onto itself.

Kneeling on the exercise device 150 allows the user to perform severaldifferent exercises for stretching, toning, strengthening differentparts of the user's body.

Although the foregoing describes and shows the variousattachments/accessories, i.e., the weighted ring 200, the vibrationelement 202, the end cap 208, the door mounting system 220, and the legstraps 240, in connection with exercise device 150, it is contemplatedthat the attachments/accessories may also be readily adapted for usewith other embodiments of the exercise device, including those shown anddescribed herein.

In addition to the foregoing, and referring now specifically to FIG. 27,there is also provided an exercise mat 260 configured for use with theexercise devices 10, 60, 90, 150. The mat 260 may be placed on a supportsurface and used to perform various exercises with the exercise devices10, 60, 90, 150. Along these lines, the mat includes various symbols,references, markers, etc, to guide the user through various exercises.For instance, in the mat 260 shown in FIG. 27, the circular symbols 262provide an arcuate path along which the user may follow when performingan exercise, i.e., rolling the exercise device 10, 60, 90, 150, alongthe mat 260. The triangular symbols 264 provide a series of linear pathsangled outwardly from a centerline, which is marked by a series ofaxially aligned quadrangular symbols 266.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention mayalso be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, theparticular combination of components and steps described and illustratedherein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the presentinvention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternativedevices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An exercise device for use on a planar surface, the exercise devicecomprising: a support plate comprising a first face and a second face; arolling joint, comprising: a retention sleeve comprising a first opendefining a inner circumference, end and a second open end and definingan interior therebetween; a cavity defined by the interior and a portionof the second face within the inner circumference; a roller memberpartially disposed in the cavity, comprising an outer surface, andconfigured to roll about at least two axes on the planar surface; aplurality of recesses in the cavity; and a plurality of bearingscorresponding to the plurality of recesses; wherein the second open enddefines an inner circumference less than an outer circumference of theroller member. 2-20. (canceled)